In strong contrast to the figures of Protectionist Germany are
those of Free-trade Britain. The recent revenue figures were most satisfactory, and now the Board of Trade returns are seen to be equally pleasant reading. Last February the Board of Trade showed that the imports of the country had decreased during the preceding year by £836,177, upon a total of £522,238,986. Those issued on Wednesday showed that our imports increased during 1902 by £6,870,086, upon a total of £528,860,284. As to exports, last February's Report showed a falling-off during 1901 of £10,693,107, upon a total of £280,498,889. The new Report shows an increase during 1902 of £3,517,604, upon a total of £283,539,980. The fact that prices have not risen, but rather fallen, makes these figures still more satisfactory, for it shows that it is the volume of trade that has increased, and not merely its money-value.
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